tapering limbs

[osagehickory]

I have arrived at 35 lbs for my first hickory bow at 26 inches.  Not what it wanted but its my first bow.  I need to get the string down the handle and I plan on building a reflex jig to straighten it and add reflex.  I need to get the limbs tapered more even first.  How do I do that?  

I plan on backing with bamboo to add a few lbs.  What thickness do I use and do I add bamboo before or after putting in jig for reflex?

Thanks!!

[Pat B]

You are wanting to put a lot of effort into a bow you aren't satisfied with and probably won't be satisfied with the results. Why not start a new bow and give this one to a kid.
  How was your tillering on this bow? Pics?
 
When I tiller a bow I don't worry about the taper or thickness. I remove wood where and when it is needed to make both limbs bend evenly and together. By the time I get to floor tiller I want the limbs bending evenly and once on the long string I get them together. After that I I go to a short string and work on reducing weight until I hit my draw length and draw weight.

[JamesV]

Backing the bow with Bamboo and reflexing will add weight. More thickness=more weight. BUT I agree with Pat, work this one out for the experience and the next one will be better and the next one. On bamboo backing I try to get 1/8-3/16 thickness.

                       James...............

[osagehickory]

I can try to get pics up but it will be a few days.  I was tillering and not worrying about the taper and thickness of limb.  To make a long story short, I had an area that was thin and was hingeing so I had to at least get the thickness to that hinge.  I was limited at the start.  I do want to work this one out before starting a new one.  I have an osage stave in the corner right now...yeehaw!

When do you work on the taper?  The limbs width is not the same on the top or bottom.  I assume that has to be addressed at this time?

thanks

[Pat B]

I like to get the front profile before dealing with the taper. Once I have that I work to floor tiller and get the limbs to bend evenly to about 4". Once I get there I use a long string to get both limbs even and together. Then I go to a short string when the tips move about 8" or so.  then begin reducing the limbs so they bend well out to full draw then reduce the weight to where you want it.

[okie64]

Might be easier to add some reflex to it by heat treating the belly. i dont know what kind of poundage you're shootin for but that will add some weight to it depending on how much reflex you heat into it. Hickory works great when heat treated.